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Finding the best way to see the city is as easy as picking your passion in Alexandria, Virginia. Stroll back in time to immerse yourself in the city’s centuries-old stories, take a foodie tour for a taste of the town or follow lantern-carrying guides through graveyards for haunting tales of the city’s past. Find dozens of ways to explore Alexandria below.

Looking to explore the region? Try  USA Guided Tours DC  or  Old Town Trolley Tours .

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Historical tours.

Step back in time on a guided tour to explore Alexandria’s past, from the mid-1700s to today.

Time Travel

Alexandria colonial tours, manumission tour company, alexandria the great tours, gravestone stories, alexandria history tours, boat tours & cruises.

Get out on the water to see the city and surrounding area from a fresh perspective. Learn more about  seasonal boat tours in Alexandria .

Get Out on the Water

Tall ship providence, monuments cruise, potomac paddle club, black history & cultural tours.

Experience a Manumission Tour Company route or take a self-guided tour through Alexandria’s rich collection of Black history and cultural heritage sites.

Dive Deeper

Duke street black history trail, courageous journey driving tour, african american heritage trails, self-guided walking tours.

Choose your own adventure with the self-guided walking tours below or download a guide in English , Español , Français , Deutsch , عربى ( Arabic )  or አማርኛ ( Amharic ) .

Take a Stroll

Great walks, old town historical tour, old town north art walk, ghost tours.

Discover the haunting secrets hidden in Old Town Alexandria’s centuries-old streets on a ghost tour.

Get Spooked

Nightly spirits – ghost tour pub crawls, alexandria ghosts, biking tours.

Take a tour on two wheels through Alexandria and head south along the Mount Vernon Trail toward George Washington’s Mount Vernon or north toward Washington, D.C. Learn more about biking in Alexandria .

See the City on Two Wheels

Pedego electric bikes, capital bikeshare, unlimited biking: alexandria, wheel nuts bike shop, foodie tours.

Sip and savor the city on a guided foodie tour.

Get a Taste of Alexandria

Blue fern travel – fork & fizz tours, alexandria food tours, explore seasonal tours.

Seasonal Tours

Purchase a Key to the City Attractions Pass

Unlock History

Featured Tours

Explore all tours, beulah baptist church, bike to mount vernon, boutique old town food tour with blue fern travel – fork & fizz tours, city cruises, george washington’s mount vernon, from our partners.

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THE 10 BEST Alexandria City Tours

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1. Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria Day Trip from Washington DC

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3. George Washington's Mount Vernon & Old Alexandria Half-Day Guided Tour from DC

4. Private History of Old Town Alexandria Walking Tour

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6. Old Town, Alexandria and Mount Vernon Private Tour

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8. Mount Vernon & Alexandria: Private Day Trip from Washington DC

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Alexandria, Virginia Sightseeing Tours

Alexandria, Virginia is an interesting place to explore. There are a variety of fun tours of Alexandria available including cruises on the Potomac River, horse-drawn carriage rides, ghost tours, and historic walking tours. You can also take your own walking tour of Alexandria, but a guided tour will give you some expert insight into the history of this fascinating historic town.

Old Town Alexandria Historic Tours

• Alexandria Colonial Tours Tours meet at the Ramsay House Visitors Center, 221 King St., Alexandria, VA (703) 519-1749. Alexandria History Tour - A walking tour that leads you in the footsteps of George Washington and Robert E. Lee, detailing local history from Colonial times up through the Civil War. African-American History Tour - A walking tour that leads you from slavery to freedom, exploring the history of African Americans.
• Alexandria's Footsteps to the Past Tours meet at the Ramsay House Visitors Center, 221 King St., Alexandria, VA (703) 683-3451. Historic walking tours are available from Monday through Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Civil War tours are by appointment only. Sightseeing van service is offered to Mount Vernon, Woodlawn/Pope-Leighey, and Gunston Hall.
• Old Town Experience Tours meet at the gardens at the Ramsay House Visitors Center, 221 King St., Alexandria, VA (703) 836-6553. Provides step-on bus guides or a guided walking historical tour. Tours run from April through November and depart Monday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m., and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
• Old Town Alexandria Food Tour Tours meet at King St and Fairfax St, City Hall - Market Square, Alexandria, VA (800) 979-3370. This narrated walking tour combines local history with stops to sample foods at unique family owned restaurants. The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours.

Alexandria Horse Drawn Carriage Rides

• Harmon's Hayride and Horse Drawn Carriages (540) 825-6707. Reservations required.

Alexandria Bike Tours

• Rent a bike and cruise the George Washington Parkway to Gravelly Point or ride along the Potomac River to tour Historic Mount Vernon.

Alexandria Boat Cruises

• Potomac Riverboat Company Alexandria City Marina, Cameron and Union Streets, Alexandria, VA (703) 684-0580. Monuments Tour From Alexandria - A 90-minute, round-trip tour along the Potomac River to see famous monuments such as the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the Washington Monument. Mount Vernon Cruise - Cruise from Old Town Alexandria to George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate (50 minutes each way). Once you arrive at Mount Vernon, you will have four hours to explore the Estate. Canine Cruises on the Potomac - A 45-minute local favorite with or without a four-legged friend. The tour cruises around the Alexandria Seaport.

Alexandria Ghost Tours

• Alexandria Colonial Tours Tours meet at Ramsay House Visitors Center, 221 King St., Alexandria, VA (703) 519-1749. Alexandria's Original Ghost and Graveyard Tour - Hear ghost stories, legends, and folklore on this guided walking tour by lantern light. Tours are offered mid March through mid November on Weds., Thurs, and Sun. at 7:30 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. tours are at 7:30 and 9:00 p.m.
• Alexandria's Footsteps to the Past Tours meet at Ramsay House Visitors Center, 221 King St., Alexandria, VA (703) 683-3451. Historical Haunts Tour - An entertaining ghost and historical tour for the believers and skeptics alike. Tours run April through November. Tours are offered on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. during spring and fall, with additional Wednesday and Thursday tours offered in the summer. 

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Historic Tours

See the town, bus tours welcome, short notice groups welcome.

A Guided Walking Tour of Alexandria'a Historic District Group and Individual tours arranged as well as Step-on bus guides. History and architecutre walking tours of Old Town offered Monday - Saturday 10:30, Sunday at 2pm from the garden of the Alexandria Vistiors Center at Ramsay House, April-November, weather permitting.

Also offers tours of Historic Old Town featuring:

1.  Market Square 2. Gadsby's Tavern* 3. Carlyle House* 4. Ramsey House 5. Torpedo Factory 6. Captain's Row 7. Gentry Row 8. Old Presbyterian Meeting House 9. Stable-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop* 10.  Lee-Fendall House* 11. Christ Church

* Museums open to the public

Alexandria History

Founded in 1749 as a port for area planters, Alexandria, Virginia was laid out by a young surveyor name George Washington.  The market square, where our the tour begins, is still in use as a public market every Saturday morning.

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Tour Offerings

The Revolutionary War and Alexandria Tour

Discover where the American Revolution was born! Visitors will learn about Alexandria's central role in the American Revolution. Twenty years before the first shots were fired at Lexington and Concord, the wheels of Revolution were in motion at a house on N. Fairfax Street.

This is a tour for both curiosity seekers and history buffs. 

1.5 Hour- $30 per person (discounts available)

Click here for private group rates and more pricing details .

George Washington's Alexandria Tour

Welcome to George Washington's neighborhood. This tour is all about our nation's first president. Every stop on the tour will focus on a specific aspect of George Washington's life and legacy from his first job as a surveyor to his final days in December 1799. George Washington's hometown provides a unique backdrop to learn more about him. 

1.5 Hour- $30 per person  (discounts available)

Discover Alexandria Tour

The Discover Alexandria tour provides an overview of multiple areas of Alexandria's history. It includes Revolutionary War history, Civil War history, George Washington history, architecture, early American commerce, and historic churches. This tour has something for everyone in it. ​

1.5 Hour- $30 per person

(discounts available)

Click here for private group rates and more pricing details.

Alexandria and the Civil War Private Tour

Spring is here.

Enjoy the warm weather on a walking tour around historic Old Town Alexandria. Take the next step with us.

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Water & boat attractions in alexandria.

Washington D.C. Alive After Five Cruise | Monuments Tour From The Wharf | Mount Vernon from DC | Monuments Sightseeing Tour From Alexandria and Georgetown | Signature Dinner Cruise | Premier Dinner Cruise | Premier Brunch Cruise | Signature Lunch Cruise | Mount Vernon from DC or Alexandria | Prix Fixe Dinner Cruise | Premier Lunch Cruise | Potomac Water Taxi | Water Taxi 2023 Pass | Water Taxi One Day Pass | Potomac Water Taxi

Things to do near Alexandria

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Washington DC: Big Bus – Classic Tour | Monuments Tour From The Wharf | Mount Vernon from DC | Monuments Sightseeing Tour From Alexandria and Georgetown | Washington D.C. Alive After Five Cruise

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Holiday Experiences in Alexandria

Fireworks Cruise from Alexandria | 4th of July Premier Dinner Cruise | 4th of July Signature Dinner Cruise | Father’s Day Premier Dinner Cruise | 4th of July Signature Lunch Cruise | Father’s Day Signature Brunch Cruise | Fireworks Cruise from The Wharf, DC | Father’s Day Premier Afternoon Brunch Cruise | New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise | New Year’s Eve Premier Dinner Cruise | New Year’s Day Premier Brunch Cruise | Christmas Eve Premier Brunch Cruise | Thanksgiving Day Afternoon Lunch Cruise | Holiday Boat Parade of Lights | Labor Day Premier Lunch Cruise | Potomac Water Taxi New Year’s Eve Cruise | Lunch with Santa Cruise

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Tour of Old Town Alexandria | Things to See and Do

Home to one of the oldest historic districts in America, Alexandria boasts a heavy dose of colonial charm. But it's still a living, breathing, functioning city creating new chapters stacked atop its storied past.

Bisecting Old Town from west to east is King Street, a thoroughfare bustling with restaurants and cafes, bars and bistros, stands and shops.

• Getting To Alexandria                                

Things to See in Alexandria

• Where to Eat in Alexandria
• Self Guided Old Town Alexandria Walking Tour

The easiest way to explore Alexandria is with our local tour guide or on our self guided audio tour.

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Getting to Alexandria

You have a full menu of transportation options for getting to Old Town, and driving should be at the bottom of that list. The traffic is often as gridlocked as congressional politics and parking is at a premium, especially when the weather is nice.

Besides, the journey is half the fun. A good way to find parking if that is how you want to travel is to reserve spot using SpotHero .

You can bike along the Mount Vernon Trail.

It's just about ten miles from the National Mall to the Alexandria waterfront, it's a ride that takes about an hour at a leisurely pace.

If you don't have a bike, no worries! Grab some wheels from a Capital Bikeshare(CaBi) dock on the Mall and pedal along the Potomac. There are CaBi docks along King Street. It'll be a good chance to burn off all the calories that you're about to consume.

And if you're too full at the end of the day you can just take Metro back.

Or you can take a water taxi! It's the most expensive option, but hey...you're on a boat.

During the warm months the water taxi will take you right back to the National Mall.

You can also take Metro to the King Street station via the yellow and blue lines, and from there, you can meander the ten blocks down King Street to the waterfront.

Or if you're in a hurry you can take the free shuttle that runs back and forth along King Street.

If you must drive to Alexandria, there’s an easy, efficient way to find a spot to leave your car for a few hours.

SpotHero is a popular service in DC that enables drivers to search for and book guaranteed parking spots in lots and garages.

Book a space that works for you and they’ll email you a parking pass. It’s nice to know exactly where you’re going to be parking, how much you’ll pay, and that a spot will be saved for you!

The Old Town section of King Street is anchored on the east by the waterfront along the Potomac River. A number of restaurants and shops are clustered against the riverbank along a boardwalk.

1. Waterfront

If the weather is nice it's a great place to grab a meal and watch the Potomac lumber go by. You'll have great views of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, which connects Virginia and Maryland.

And if you're standing in the right spot you can see the dome of the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument a little further upstream.

You can take our Self Guided Old Town Alexandria tour for a sense of the city's history.

Of course, history is the name of the game in Old Town, and history nerd or not, there are some spots you have to check out.

2. Christ Church

About a block north of King Street along Washington Street is Christ Church where George was known to worship, as was Robert E. Lee. In fact, the church has a few interesting ties to the Civil War.

The church is a U.S. National Historic Landmark; but, it's still an active church with a large congregation.

3. Gadsby's Tavern

After praying like George, maybe it's a good time to eat like George. Gadsby's Tavern offers up lunch and dinner seatings, and Sunday brunch with a side of time machine.

As you walk through the doors candlelight, decor and period costumes will send you two centuries back in time. And, it wasn't just George who stopped by, other visitors include John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

If it's good enough for the founding fathers, it's good enough for you. But, if you're not hungry you can just check out the museum and do a tour.

4. Stabler-Leadbetter Apothecary Museum

After eating like George, now it's time to do drugs like George. A stop by the Stabler-Leadbetter Apothecary Museum is a gentle reminder that medicine has, thankfully, come a long way since the colonial era.

The museum is preserved as though encased in formaldehyde for a century and a half....you'll find serums and tonics and drugs.

There are a few medical instruments on display, and reams of documentation in the form of logs and journals. Martha Washington spent a few dollars here, as did George's doctor as he tried to save his life.

5. George Washington Masonic National Memorial

The last stop on the being-George-Washington fantasy tour is the George Washington Masonic National Memorial .

You can't miss it, it's that tall tower at the west end of King Street. It's clearly super-secret. They offer four one-hour tours Friday-Sunday (9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.).

Children under 12 are free, and adults cost $18 (although Freemasons get a $1 discount, I'm not sure if you'll need your robe, though). The tour includes a trip to the observation tower.

Steer a bit off King Street to the Lyceum . It's a museum dedicated to the history of Alexandria, and its location actually marks a natural pit stop. It's on Washington Street about halfway down King Street in either direction.

You'll have explored enough of Alexandria to have the context to give the history meaning, but have enough to explore to let the museum stoke your passion for discovery. The building dates to 1839, constructed as a library and cultural center.

It would serve as a hospital during the Civil War, and in the middle of the street in front of the museum you'll find a statue commemorating soldiers of the Confederacy.

7. Torpedo Factory Art Center

Along the waterfront at the end of King Street is another piece of Alexandria history wrapped in the creativity of contemporary artists. The Torpedo Factory Art Center produced torpedoes before and during WWII. Then, like many of the buildings expanded during the booming war years, it was relegated to storage.

It was basically the federal government's garage until the city of Alexandria rescued and resuscitated this waterfront real estate in the mid-70's. Now that factory of deadly accuracy is a display of the beauty of life and art.

More than 80 artists have studios giving the half-million annual visitors a chance to interact with the artists as they create. The center also has public restrooms.

8. Spite House

A favorite stop on the Old Town Alexandria tour - check out the Spite House. The smallest house in the DMV at 7 feet wide!

Where to eat and drink in Alexandria

Time travel is exhausting, so do yourself a favor as you meander around Old Town and grab some coffee. There are some excellent independent coffee shops littered about Alexandria:

Misha's Cafe: 102 S. Patrick Street They have tables adjacent to a massive roaster surrounded by canvas bags of beans...it's a caffeinated cocoon. http://www.mishascoffee.com

Once it's time to reward your inner history nerd you can kick back and relax with a few libations in true Alexandrian fashion.

The Light Horse: 715 King Street (at N Washington St) http://thelighthorserestaurant.com

Named with a nod to a Revolutionary War hero and one-time Alexandria resident Light Horse Harry Lee. You'll find a good tap list, and if you're not too tired from all the walking they have shuffleboard and skeeball.

Daniel O'Connells: 112 King Street http://www.danieloconnells.com

It's a maze of a bar/restaurant with smaller sub-bars throughout the establishment. If the weather is nice try to score some space on the upstairs patio. If it's misty, murky and chilly pull up a stool next to one of the fireplaces.

Murphy's Irish Pub: 713 King Street http://www.murphyspub.com

A cozy place to grab a beer in the middle of all your shopping. It feels like St. Patrick's Day exploded in this bar.

Virtue Feed & Grain: 106 S. Union Street http://virtuefeedgrain.com

In a fantastic, rugged space just off the waterfront you can grab everything from burgers to duck confit. They also have a healthy tap list featuring beers from Virginia, Maryland and the District.

Vermilion: 1120 King Street vermilionrestaurant.com

If you're looking for something a little more upscale this spot offers some creative farm-to-table options. Go for brunch or dinner, their tasting menu is a solid choice. Making reservations is a good idea.

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Old Town Alexandria

Founded in 1749, Alexandria has a history well before Washington, D.C. This quaint colonial port town still has the charm of row houses and cobblestone streets.

You can use the Atlantis Audio Tours app for a GPS-enabled self-guided walking tour of Alexandria that covers the historic sites and museums.

• Book an Audio Tour on our Booking Page
• Receive a confirmation email with a .mp3, .pdf, and embeddable Google Map
• Enjoy the tour(s)!

This guest post was written by Kris & Lauren at Scuttabout - Tour guides talking about tours, travel and our experiences living on the road.

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Old Town Alexandria

Overlooking the Potomac River with views of our nation’s capital, Old Town Alexandria radiates charm while safeguarding its rich historic roots. Founded in 1749, Alexandria was a major seaport prior to the Revolutionary War, was occupied by Union troops during the Civil War, and was a torpedo production site during World War II. In 1946 Alexandria was the third city in the country to establish a historic district to preserve its architectural heritage. This easy walking tour of Old Town Alexandria includes private townhomes and secluded gardens located along the tree lined streets of the historic district. In addition, the tour ticket includes admission to two Garden Club of Virginia restoration projects within a short driving distance of the tour area – George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Green Spring Gardens.

• Date Saturday April 20, 2024 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Host The Garden Club of Alexandria and The Hunting Creek Garden Club
• Price $55 pp in advance or $55 pp day-of at VAGardenWeek.org

Questions? [email protected]

Thank you to our Sponsors

McEnearney Associates, Inc. REALTORS, Mason Montague Bavin, Lauren Bishop and Vici Boguess George Washington's Mount Vernon Pohanka/Scott A. and Phyllis P. Crabtree Family Foundation, Inc.

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Alexandria Colonial Tours

Walk Through History - Old Town Alexandria

Explore Alexandria's haunted past with Alexandria Colonial Tours - the ONLY local ghost tour company- operating since 1985! Our ghost and graveyard tour is led in lantern light by a costumed guide and takes you on a journey through history. Come join us and discover the secrets of Alexandria's past!

NO BOOKING IS AVAILABLE UNTIL OCTOBER 11, 2022. I APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.

Welcome to Old ALX!

Make memories that will last a lifetime while classic touring without driving & parking hassels. meet the dc region with us drive-free, enjoy-able, first things first ... the first p.o.t.u.s experience george washington's mount vernon estate & gardens like never before...visit these gems (listed below) and much, much more along the way ramsay house; murray-dick-fawcett house; freedmen's cemetery; dyke marsh wildlife preserve & habitat; george washington's river farm; fort washington; fort hunt; george washington's grist mill and mount vernon estate & gardens all within 2 hours....

Let's Hear From Your Experience...

• ★★★★★ "Jay at OLD ALX TOURS is a must! Don't try to figure out how to get to those important site seeing locations -- Jay will take you there in style. He's a local and can share all the tidbits about the area while you relax and enjoy the ride, the info and the sights! Definitely schedule with him to see Mount Vernon and the evening tour of DC is an absolute MUST!!!!" Jean, Tourist GOOGLE REVIEW .
• ★★★★★ "It's a pleasure to experience Old Town Alexandria and DC through their lens'! Thank you so much Jay & the Alexandria Visitor Center and Old ALX Tours " Michael, Tourist San Francisco, CA.
• ★★★★★ Y’ALL!!!!!! Jay and his team are simply AMAZING!!!! He thinks of every single detail, is so gracious and knowledgeable!!! We did a tour of Washington DC that was priceless!! He is kind, resourceful and reasonably priced!!! He goes waaaaaaay above and beyond expectations!! HIGHLY recommend booking with Jay!! Jill, Tourist GOOGLE REVIEW .

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• Washington DC
• Tour Guides

Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon Bus Tour

Visit the colorful and historic Old Town Alexandria and the historic former home of George Washington on this unmissable fully-guided tour of the two! Walk in the footsteps of Washington with this sensational five-hour excursion from the capital!

You’ll be picked up in a luxurious, climate-controlled vehicle while your guide explains the significance of some of the city’s most recognizable monuments. A short drive brings you to the candy-colored architecture of Alexandria, where you can take a tour of some monuments notable to the former president – including the Masonic Temple and Christ Church.

Arguably the birthplace of the city itself, George Washington’s former estate is located just 13 miles from the capital’s center. The second half of this tour involves an in-depth foray through the mansion, with entrance tickets to the grounds and gardens included. Interactive, historic reenactments bring the founding father’s story to life, while a guided tour of the building helps shine a light on his fascinating story.

• Museum and Education Center
• Washington's Tomb
• Historic Mansion and Gardens
• The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
• Historic Christ Church

We had a wonderful tour with Joey! She was knowledgeable, engaged, funny, friendly and a terrific host. We highly recommend this tour. Our only regret is that we didn't have another day to spend in DC sightseeing! - Brittany W.

Thoroughly enjoyed our you, Brittany and Marcus were great! It was raining off and on all day but we still had a great time, they were energetic and thoughtful and attentive all day and gave us great info and tips. The tour was well planned and efficiently run. I was so glad we didn’t have to walk in the rain or try and drive around ourselves in it. I was a DC native for a few years and I’ve walked these memorials in the past, I would say the bus is the only way to go and those luxury buses are much nicer than the trolley style. - Eric M

Did it on my first day in DC and gave me ideas on what to revisit or what other venues to go to. The guide Christopher was very knowledgeable and came over excellently. - Russell P.

Google Reviews

I did the Old Town Alexandria and Mt Vernon tour. Teri and Maggie were our guides/driver. I enjoyed the tour so much. Comfortable transport. Knowledgeable guide Teri kept us entertained and updated. Nice breaks in between. I would definitely choose them again for other tours. What a great way to get a ride around for a fair cost and entertainment. - Khadija Sheikh

It is a great tour, with historical information every place we visited. They also provided bottle water in the bus. And they also pick me up and drop me at hotel. Great service, thank you! - Sari Erlianingsih

Christopher was amazing! The coolest guide ever. He made the DC trip a highlight of my trip. - Roberto Leon

Why type of buses does USA Guided Tours use?

Our luxury tour buses provide a comfortable and climate-controlled environment for an enjoyable touring experience, while also offering protection from the elements. We cater to various group sizes with a diverse fleet of vehicles, from SUVs to premium motor-coaches, ensuring that our private tours can be customized for couples or large groups alike. To maintain a more intimate atmosphere on our public tours, we intentionally limit the capacity of our tour buses to keep the average group size small. We do our best to keep large, same-party groups together on the same bus, but please remember that the seating is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Once you claim your seats – they’re reserved only for you for the duration of the tour.

What is USA Guided Tours cancelation policy?

Free Cancellation up to 24 Hours in Advance > if you cancel your booking 24 hours in advance of your tour departure time – a full refund will be issued

Free Cancellation up to 1 Hour in Advance With Tour Booking Insurance > if you purchase Tour Booking Insurance at $5.99 per person, booking cancellations may be made up to 1 hour in advance of your tour departure time for a full refund

Are we allowed to bring luggage on the tour?

Unfortunately, our shuttles are not wheelchair accessible, nor is there storage for baby strollers. If you have a wheelchair, please call us to make special vehicle arrangements for your tour. Some of our tours involve longer walks so if you like, you may stay on board the shuttle, near the landmark, without exiting the shuttle bus every time.

What are the blackout dates for tours?

Jan 1 New Year’s Day – All Tours Closed Jan 20 March for Life – Day Tours Closed Mar 18 Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon – Day Tours Closed Apr 2 Cherry Blossom Ten Miler – Day Tours Closed

Apr 15 National Cherry Blossom Parade® – Day Tours Closed May 7 National Women’s Half Marathon – Day Tours Closed

May 28 AMVETS’ “Rolling to Remember” – Day Tours Closed May 29 Memorial Day – All Tours Closed July 4 Independence Day – All Tours Closed Aug 28 The Commitment March – Day Tours Closed Oct 8 Army Ten Miler – Day Tours Closed Oct 29 Marine Corps Marathon – Day Tours Closed Oct 31 Halloween – Night Tours Closed Nov 23 Thanksgiving Day – All Tours Closed Dec 24 Christmas Eve – Night Tours Closed Dec 25 Christmas Day – All Tours Closed Dec 31 New Year’s Eve – All Tours Closed

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Experience Washington DC like a VIP: Our ultimate day tour with exclusive access to the National Archives and the U.S. Capitol Buildings. Book now for a presidential journey!

African American History and Culture Bus Tour

Explore pivotal civil rights sites: Join our insightful tour, including entry to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Don't miss this historic journey!

Not Exactly What You’re Looking For?

Book a private tour and explore DC on your terms!

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Privacy Overview

• Virtual Tour
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Either before or after the scheduled tour, guests may explore other notable features of the Memorial.

The Memorial is currently open on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday (closed on major holidays).

Guided, group tours (included in the admission cost) run daily at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., & 3:30 p.m. Availability permitting, additional tours may be added at 12:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. The guided tour is approximately one hour in length. For groups 10 or larger, please click the 'Group Tours' button below.

The Memorial will be closed on Monday, September 4, for Labor Day.

Admission to the Memorial is $18. Photo ID required. Children aged 12 and under are admitted to the Memorial for free, and must be accompanied by an adult. The Memorial adheres to all state and local health restrictions and recommendations regarding coronavirus safety. See our Plan Your Visit for details.

This page provides a look at what you may see on your tour, and in areas of the Memorial that you might wish to explore either prior to or after your tour.

Memorial Hall

Visitors enter Memorial Hall through the massive portico, symbolic of the entrances of ancient Greek and Roman temples. On either side of the portico are tablets engraved with passages from Washington’s correspondence, which reflect his deep regard for the Masonic fraternity. Memorial Hall features eight green granite columns 40 feet high and more than four feet wide. The hall features an exquisite marble floor and two magnificent murals painted by Bro. Allyn Cox. The mural on the north wall depicts General Washington and his officers attending a St. John’s Day Observance at Christ Church in Philadelphia on December 28, 1778. The mural on the south wall depicts President Washington laying the cornerstone of the United States Capitol on September 18, 1793. At the end, in a rounded niche, stands a colossal statue of George Washington wearing his Masonic regalia. The statue was created by Bro. Bryant Baker and dedicated in 1950 by President and Freemason Harry Truman.

Replica Lodge Room

Adjacent to Memorial Hall is the Replica Lodge Room of Alexandria-Washington Lodge № 22. This space mimics the old meeting room of Alexandria-Washington Lodge as it existed on the second floor of City Hall for more than 140 years, beginning on September 16, 1802. The Replica Lodge Room displays the original 1802 lodge furniture, the famous William Joseph Williams portrait of Washington, a replica of the famous Watson-Cossoul apron, the Capitol Cornerstone Trowel, and many other fascinating artifacts.

See: Virtual Tour of the Replica Lodge Room

Founders Hall Exhibit

The Northwest Hallway adjacent to Memorial Hall contains the Founders Hall Exhibit. This exhibit features busts of Charles H. Callahan, the originator and driving force behind the creation of the Memorial, as well as the first three Presidents of the Memorial Association. Also featured are photographs of past and present Memorial Officers, including photographs of the 1910 first meeting of the Memorial Association and the currently serving Board of Directors of the Association.

The North Lodge Room

The Gothic Style of the North Lodge Room balances the South Lodge Room’s classically-inspired interior. Its imposing arched ceiling is constructed with exposed oak beams, and the surrounding oak balconies, wainscoting and gothic arched stage add to the drama of the room’s setting.

See: Virtual Tour of the North Lodge Room

Our classical Theater’s semicircular seating accommodates an audience of nearly 400. Sixteen gold-veined Missouri marble columns of the Doric order stand around the perimeter on the mezzanine. Along the mezzanine are 14 bronze plaques depicting the Presidents of the United States who were Freemasons. The Washington family’s coat of arms— later incorporated into the crest of the Memorial Association—appears in the cartouche above the stage. The portrait of Washington seen in the Theater was painted by local artist Christopher Erney, commissioned for the Centennial of the founding of the Memorial Association.

See: Virtual Tour of the Theater

The South Lodge Room

The South Lodge Room is the home of Alexandria-Washington Lodge ? 22 since 1947. This suite of rooms includes an anteroom and a small exhibit gallery which offers a number of Alexandria-Washington Lodge artifacts, objects, paintings and a portrait display of Past Masters of the Lodge. The immense Lodge Room evokes the Neoclassical style of the young Republic, current when the Lodge gained its first permanent temple room in 1802.

See: Virtual Tour of the South Lodge Room

The Form & Function of American Freemasonry

Located on the south side of the first floor, this exhibit tells the story of Freemasonry’s origins and development, its arrival in the American Colonies, and the role it has come to play in the history of the United States. In addition to George Washington, several other American Presidents and leaders who were Masons are profiled: Benjamin Franklin, Andrew Jackson, and Harry Truman. This room is also the location of our frequently-updated Grand Lodge of the Month exhibit.

See: Virtual Tour of the Form & Function Exhibit

The Golden Age of Masonic Architecture Exhibit

On the first floor surrounding Grand Masonic Hall is The Golden Age of Masonic Architecture, an exhibit of framed color prints of great Masonic buildings from around the country constructed in the same time period as the Memorial. Also on the first floor is The Form and Function of American Freemasonry exhibit, highlighting four great American Freemasons: Washington, Franklin, Jackson, and Truman. The exhibit informs visitors about Freemasonry whose members, like the four highlighted, improve themselves as they improve society.

See: Virtual Tour of the Golden Age Exhibit

Grand Masonic Hall

Directly below Memorial Hall, in the center space of the first level, is Grand Masonic Hall. This room is entered down flights of stairs and is encircled by grille-lined balconies. The hall’s eight Doric columns of polished New Hampshire granite are 4½ feet in diameter and 18 feet high. The room is enclosed by six etched glass panels featuring the Memorial Crest and the Square and Compasses. In the east alcove is a bronze bust of George Washington surrounded by a mural of Mount Vernon. At the west end of Grand Masonic Hall is a large bronze-toned Memorial Crest, surrounded by the seals of the Grand Lodges that support the Memorial with an annual per capita contribution.

Located next to the parking lot exit on the lower level, the Memorial Gift Shop offers prints of some of the Memorial’s collections, books, clothing, jewelry, postcards and finely-crafted holiday ornaments. Items may also be ordered online.

The Family of Freemasonry Exhibit

On the third level of the tower is The Family of Freemasonry Exhibit, our newest exhibit, featuring organizations such as the Grottoes of North America, The Order of the Eastern Star, The Tall Cedars of Lebanon, the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, the Shrine, and Youth Orders.

See: Virtual Tour of the Family of Freemasonry

The George Washington Museum

On the fourth level of the tower is the George Washington Museum. The exhibit’s alcoves present Brother Washington as a Virginia Planter, Model Citizen, Military Officer, our Nation’s First President, Mourned Hero, and American Icon. The exhibit features a large number of artifacts from Mount Vernon that were donated by Washington family descendants, including the 1792 Washington Family Bible. These are some of the greatest treasures of the Memorial’s collection. The mezzanine level presents additional exhibits that explore the original construction of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, the Freemasonry’s architectural symbolism, and items that once decorated the walls of Mount Vernon.

See: Virtual Tour of the George Washington Museum

The Knight Templar Chapel

On the tower’s eighth level there is an impressive chapel expressing the symbolism of the Masonic Knights Templar. Dedicated in 1957, the Chapel includes four stained glass windows designed by Bro. Allyn Cox.

See: Virtual Tour of the Chapel

The Observation Deck

The ninth floor of the Memorial opens to our outdoor Observation Deck, which offers a stunning 360-degree view of historic Alexandria, the District of Columbia, and the surrounding region. And, inside, patrons may view an interesting exhibit of historical photographs depicting the construction of the Memorial in the 1920s and 30s.

See: Virtual Tour of the Observation Deck

Quick Links

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© 2024 GWMNMA . The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

Manumission

Tour company, statue of the edmonson sisters, alexandria's black history, manumission -  the act of freeing or the state of being freed from slavery, servitude,etc., explore alexandria's past with us.

Want to leave a tip for your tour guide?

Join Manumission Tour Company to travel the streets of historic Old Town Alexandria and hear the little-known stories of Africans and African-Americans, both enslaved and freemen, at a time when Alexandria, Virginia was one of early American's main centers for the international and domestic slave trade.

Manumission Tour Company curates guided cultural heritage tours designed to highlight Alexandria’s extensive African American History. We offer guided walking tours every weekend from February thru December. We would love to take your group on a personalized tour or provide step-on tour services for your bus trip!  Tour times & tickets can be found on this website, but also at the Ramsay House Visitors Center in Old Town

Find out more about our tours and other services HERE

Click the " Book Your Tour Today" button to see the available tour dates. 

Adults                              $15

Children (12 and under)     $ 12

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• Historic Old Town Alexandria Home and Garden Tour

Tour kicks off Garden Club of Virginia statewide tour

By Kim Davis

Thursday, April 18, 2024

A 91-year-old treasured Spring tradition returns this Saturday, April 20, when the Garden Club of Virginia hosts its Historic Old Town Home and Garden Tour. This year’s tour is a must see, showcasing five of the city’s most spectacular homes and gardens and one public property, Lee-Fendall House. 

The walking tour features a behind-the-scenes glimpse into centuries-old homes including four properties clustered in North Old Town on Queen, North Fairfax and Oronoco Streets as well as two a few blocks away on South Fairfax Street. 

The North Old Town section features a home first owned by an Irish whiskey distiller in 1815 on 213 North Fairfax Street. Current owners purchased the property in 2016, and embarked on a significant renovation and addition, resulting in 6,000 square feet of meticulously restored living space. A stunning new kitchen addition includes classic walnut cabinetry with a sophisticated backsplash of striking Persian green and white marble. Discrete built in cooler drawers provide easy access to beverage and snack options in numerous rooms. And a sitting room between the kitchen and living room features beautifully lacquered custom cabinetry in teal blue with gold handles. The kitchen addition overlooks a walled patio featuring a black half-moon fountain and tasteful but simple garden plantings. 

The home is fully automated with the most up-to-date technology. Featuring a total of 24 heating and air conditioning zones, most of the home’s flooring is heated. Touch panels provide state of the art technology access, including settings for privacy, security, television and streaming apps, whole house audio, whole house video intercom, heating, and cooling. 

Another home located around the corner at 611 Queen Street was purchased in 1803 and sold twice before it was acquired in 1807 for $250. In 1815, the property sold for $4,000 to the president of the Common Council of Alexandria who along with then Alexandria Mayor John Roberts met the Marquis de Lafayette during a visit to Alexandria in 1824. Current owners Dominique and Dorn Wenninger purchased the home in 2021 and undertook significant renovations. This charming home has an eclectic vibe and a significant collection of artwork and furnishings from the Wenningers’ travels in Asia, South America, and Africa. The beautiful garden has been replanted and the patio expanded to create “a whimsical secret garden with cozy spaces and quirky corners of interest, complete with Mexican stone carvings and an antique bench from Mexico,” Dominique said.

A block away sits 513 Queen Street, dating back 234 years. Records from 1789 describe a one-room, one-story log and frame structure. The property is a garden-only tour featuring a mature Kwanzan cherry and a majestic Natchez crepe myrtle which creates an intimate patio retreat in the heart of the city.

Owners describe an interesting anecdote about the home. “Apparently, as the story goes, in 1946 the homeowner permitted chickens inside the house in defiance of a new law banning farm animals within yards. As would be expected, this resulted in deplorable conditions at the time within the house,” he said. 

The current owners fell in love with the gardens, so they “bought the garden and took the house,” he said. The couple unearthed an old milk bottle in the garden, likely a gift from the former neighboring dairy bottling company. 

A featured property on the tour in North Old Town is Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden. This year marks the 50th anniversary of its opening as a museum and garden, providing insight into American history through the experiences of those who lived and worked on the property for two centuries. A newly designed garden incorporates the bones of a pleasure garden created in the 1850s, a Bicentennial Project of the Garden Clubs of Northern Virginia.

The properties situated on South Fairfax Street are both lovely and add historic interest. 410 South Fairfax Street was purchased in 1795 and the home was built in 1870 or earlier. Current owners Lauren and Christopher Bishop bought the property in 2016, also undertaking a renovation in 2019 that included a mudroom, kitchen, and family room in keeping with the character of the home. The living room features its original 12-foot ceilings and plaster moldings. In 2021, the couple excavated the basement and converted it into a finished space. The home features elegant furnishings, beautiful abstract art and a charming garden filled with spring flowers.

Across the street is 417 Fairfax, purchased in 1796 by a cooper, a crafter of wooden containers. The back portion of the parcel possessed two dwellings that were homes to free black tenants as early as 1823. Current owners purchased the property in 2022 from the estate of Richard Simmons, former president of The Washington Post. Throughout the years, owners added a kitchen, baths, flooring, lighting, slate, stone, and brick patios as well as a stone wall. An early 19th-century carriage house is now a pool house. During renovations, beautiful interior brick work and exposed beams were revealed. In the garden, a beautiful, large magnolia and a crepe myrtle anchor the patios, where extensive new landscaping provides space for entertaining.

Tickets also include admission to six nearby public properties, including: Mount Vernon, River Farm, Carlyle House, Gunston Hall and Green Spring Gardens. Advance tickets are $55 online at  www.vagardenweek.org  and may be purchased tour day at the Alexandria Visitor’s Center located at 221 King Street.

The Garden Club of Virginia’s beloved statewide tour is the only one of its kind in the nation. It includes an eight-day statewide tour from April 20 to 27 including 170 private properties throughout Virginia, including stately manors, renovated farmhouses, private homes, and waterfront villas. Proceeds fund restoration and preservation of nearly 50 Virginia historic public gardens. The annual event also funds a historic landscape research fellowship program that is building a comprehensive library documenting the Commonwealth’s important gardens and landscapes. The tour draws approximately 25,000 tourists annually and dates to 1929.  

The Old Town Alexandria tour is hosted by the GCV’s two local garden clubs, Hunting Creek Garden Club and Garden Club of Alexandria. For more information, visit  www.vagardenweek.org , online, @historicgardenweekoldtownalexandria on Facebook 

and @historicgardenweekoldtown on Instagram. 

The event also features a special pop-up Marketplace Boutique located in the Atheneum at 201 Prince Street. The boutique features a curated collection of beautiful clothing, gifts, and jewelry. Offerings include soft cashmere scarves, linen dresses, and Scottish woven sweaters by Heidi Wynne; elegant personalized stationery, invitations and gifts from Georgetown Paperie; exquisitely handmade, timeless designs by Deo duPont Jewelry; hand painted art featuring flowers and animals by the talented and gifted artist Virginia Donelson; a beautiful selection of children’s clothing, toys and personalized gifts from Old Town’s Monday’s Child boutique; Indo-Chic women’s classic silk blouses, jackets, and skirts; Sarah Bray Bermuda Hats made of sea grass and palm leaf, adorned with beautiful vintage floral and grosgrain ribbon; A Shirt Story offering pre-loved 100% cotton men’s oxford shirts reworked for women; and, an extensive inventory of stunning peony bulbs from Peony’s Envy. The Marketplace is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Refreshments will be available for tourgoers throughout the day at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 228 South Pitt Street from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the historic church will be open for touring.                    

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City of Alexandria, VA

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• Projects & Plans

Waterfront Flood Mitigation Community Engagement

Consistent and transparent civic engagement and communication is a critical element of the Waterfront flood management improvement process. The City first shared its plans to reassess the Baseline Project at a Waterfront Commission meeting in Spring 2021 and has since consistently engaged the Waterfront Commission, a newly developed Flooding Subcommittee, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and other civic and special interest groups directly impacted by Waterfront flooding. The Project Team is dedicated to maintaining consistent, open dialogue with the community for the duration of design and construction phases for the Waterfront Implementation Project.

City Commissions

Alexandria waterfront commission, alexandria park and recreation commission, alexandria archaeological commission (aac), community meetings and site tours.

In addition to engagement through the City Commissions, City staff connected with the public to share information and collect feedback through open houses, Waterfront project site tours, and civic associations meetings. 

If you would like a presentation given to your community group, please reach out to the project team at [email protected] .

Past Engagement Events and Activities

April 16, 2024: waterfront commission meeting.

• Waterfront Commission Webpage
• Meeting Notes

April 10, 2024: Old Town Civic Association Meeting

• Presentation

March 26, 2024: Waterfront Flood Mitigation Project Open House

• Meeting Video
• Display Boards

March 21, 2024: Park and Recreation Commission Meeting

• Park and Recreation Commission Webpage

March 19, 2024: Waterfront Commission Meeting

January 27, 2024: waterfront flood mitigation project site tour, november 28, 2023: waterfront commission meeting.

• Meeting Minutes
• Waterfront Commission - Letter to City Council Regarding FY 2025 Budget Priorities

October 20, 2023: The Alexandria Forum - The Waterfront Revisited: Birth and Rebirth, 1730-2023

• The Alexandria Forum Webpage

September 19, 2023: Waterfront Commission Meeting

June 20, 2023: waterfront commission - annual waterfront walk, may 16, 2023: waterfront commission meeting, april 18, 2023: waterfront commission meeting, january 17, 2023: waterfront commission meeting, november 12, 2022: city council public hearing.

• Action Docket - FEMA Grant Application Approval

October 18, 2022: Waterfront Commission

• Waterfront Commission - FY 2024 - FY 2033 Operating and CIP Budget Recommendations

September 20, 2022: Waterfront Commission

June 21, 2022: waterfront commission, june 16, 2022: park and recreation commission - underground stormwater storage at founders park letter.

• Letter Regarding Stormwater Management through Underground Storage at Founders Park

June 8, 2022: Old Town Civic Association Meeting

May 21, 2022: waterfront commission - annual waterfront walk, may 16, 2022: waterfront commission - alternative recommendation letter to city council.

• Alternative Recommendation Letter to City Council

April 20, 2022: Alexandria Archaeology Commission Meeting

• Alexandria Archaeological Commission Webpage

April 19, 2022: Waterfront Commission Meeting

• Flood Mitigation Committee Draft Recommendations
• Potomac River Power Generation Plant
• Waterfront Parks Maintenance Projects
• Tall Ship Providence Update

April 7, 2022: Waterfront Commission - Flooding Subcommittee Meeting

March 22, 2022: waterfront commission - flooding subcommittee meeting, march 17, 2022: park and recreation commission meeting, march 16, 2022: alexandria archaeological commission meeting, february 15, 2022: waterfront commission meeting.

• Virtual Meeting Recording
• Flood Mitigation Update Information

January 18, 2022: Waterfront Commission Meeting

• Waterfront Flood Mitigation Brief
• Waterfront Commission Endorsement

January 6, 2022: Waterfront Commission - Flooding Subcommittee Meeting

November 15, 2021: waterfront commission - flooding subcommittee meeting, november 6, 2021: founders park community association clean-up event, october 4, 2021: waterfront commission - flooding subcommittee meeting, september 23, 2021: park and recreation commission meeting.

• Waterfront Plan Flood Mitigation Update  

June 26, 2021: Waterfront Commission - Annual Waterfront Walk

June 7, 2021: waterfront commission - flooding subcommittee meeting, may 13, 2021: founders park community association meeting.

• Founders Park Community Association webpage

May 5, 2021: Founders Park Community Association - Board and Past Presidents Meeting

April 5, 2021: waterfront commission - flooding subcommittee meeting.

• Meeting Presentation

December 15, 2020: Waterfront Commission